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Bill Clinton Woos Donors on Wife’s Debt

Former President Bill Clinton is trying – once again – to whittle down the financial obligations remaining from her campaign, asking her contributors in a letter on Tuesday to send a donation. The extra incentive? Spending a day with Mr. Clinton.

“How would you like the chance to come up to New York and spend a day with me?” Mr. Clinton wrote. “Hillary’s campaign still has a few vestiges of debt that I know she would like to see paid in full. Will you reach out today to help Hilary this one last time?”

The targeted audience is not high-rolling Democratic donors. Most of those sources have been exhausted, officials said, so a smaller broad-base appeal is under way: The chance to spend the day in New York City with Mr. Clinton can be yours for $5!

It is the second time in recent months that Mr. Clinton has raffled time on his calendar to help his wife, who as secretary of state is barred by federal law from raising money herself to pay off the debt.

As of April 1, according to a report on file with the Federal Election Commission, the Clinton presidential campaign had $771,000 in outstanding obligations. And, the report said, the committee had $623,740.13 in the bank.

So who is still owed money?

Mark Penn, her chief political strategist and pollster, is among those on the list. His firm recently received a payment for about $75,000, according to the report.

Mr. Clinton mentions no such specifics in his fund-raising appeal. He also does not mention that his wife has already written off a $13 million personal loan to the campaign. Instead, he highlights her accomplishments as a member of President Obama’s Cabinet.

“I’m so proud of the work Hillary has done as secretary of state, traveling the world, restoring the country’s alliances and making America stronger,” Mr. Clinton wrote. “And as I watch health care reform sweep the country, I can’t help but think about how much she has contributed over the years to make the progress we are making possible.”

“I know you share my pride in all her accomplishments,” he added, “and I know how much your continued support means to her.”

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